Inside the AC-47 Spooky

Inside the AC-47 Spooky

The AC-47 “Spooky” was more than a gunship during the Vietnam War—it became a symbol of protection, survival, and hope for troops on the ground in some of the war’s darkest moments.  In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we explore the restoration and future of "Spooky 86," the Commemorative Air Force’s AC-47 assigned to the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing. Fresh from a major repaint and preparing for its first national touring season with the CAF, the aircraft is part of an ambitious mission to help preserve and share the stories of Vietnam veterans through one of the War’s most iconic aircraft. To watch this episode, go to https://youtu.be/7zpHPxoukxM [https://youtu.be/7zpHPxoukxM]. * Aired on: June 24, 2026 * Guests: Nancy Kwicien, Kevin McNulty, Aaron Sloper * Host: Steve Buss * Producer: Bob Score * Produced by: Commemorative Air Force [https://commemorativeairforce.org/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246849/fan_mail/new] Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube].  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/LandHere]. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Behind the Scenes of Oshkosh 2026 | Exclusive AirVenture Preview

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s greatest aviation celebration—EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026! Join us on this special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we welcome Rick Larsen, EAA’s Vice President of Communities and Member Programming, to give us an exclusive preview of what’s in store this July.  From thrilling airshow performances and historic warbird displays to new features, special anniversaries, and can't-miss aircraft, Rick shares insider info on what aviation fans can expect at this year’s event. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned Oshkosh veteran, you won’t want to miss this exciting sneak peek! Tune in and get ready for takeoff— EAA AirVenture 2026 is just around the corner! To watch this as a video, go to https://youtu.be/cRQ8v_b7YAc [https://youtu.be/cRQ8v_b7YAc]. * Aired On: June 17, 2026 * Guest: Rick Larsen * Host: Steve Buss * Producer/Editor: Bob Score * Produced by: Commemorative Air Force  [https://commemorativeairforce.org/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246849/fan_mail/new] Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube].  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/LandHere]. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

From Normandy to the Bulge | Restoring a Historic WWII C-47 Skytrain

Before dawn on D-Day, C-47 Skytrains filled the skies over Normandy carrying paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into occupied Europe. Months later, during the Battle of the Bulge, those same aircraft flew desperately needed supplies through brutal winter weather to surrounded Allied troops in the Ardennes.  One of those aircraft still survives. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we explore the restoration of C-47A Skytrain 43-15200—better known by its wartime nose art name, “Francis L.” Now undergoing restoration at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base.  This historic aircraft participated in Operation Overlord and later served during the Battle of the Bulge. Guest Arthur Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of the ambitious restoration effort, including the rebuilding of the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines and the painstaking work required to return the aircraft to historically accurate condition.  Recovered from Alaska and now beginning a new chapter in Georgia, “Francis L.” represents more than a surviving aircraft—it is a direct connection to the aircrews and paratroopers who helped change the course of World War II. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/LmN7QFI_KMI [https://youtu.be/LmN7QFI_KMI]. * Aired on: June 12, 2026 * Guest: Arthur Sullivan * Host: Steve Buss * Producer: Bob Score * Produced by: Commemorative Air Force [https://commemorativeairforce.org/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246849/fan_mail/new] Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube].  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/LandHere]. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

B-17 Tail Gunner to POW: The Story of Tailspin

For decades, Gene Moran rarely spoke about what happened in the skies over Germany.  In Tailspin, author John Armbruster brings that story to life—from a catastrophic fall from a shattered B-17 to the harsh realities of life as a prisoner of war. Along the way, the story becomes something more: a shared journey between two men confronting trauma, loss, and the challenge of telling the truth about war.  In this Warbird Tube episode, we talk with Armbruster about the process of uncovering this story and why preserving these voices matters now more than ever. * Aired on: May 29, 2026 * Guest: John Armbruster * Host: Steve Buss * Producer: Bob Score * Produced by: Commemorative Air Force [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246849/fan_mail/new] Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube].  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/LandHere]. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Saving the Halifax: A Race Against Time

More than 6,000 Handley Page Halifax bombers were built during World War II. Today, only a handful remain.  At the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, an extraordinary team of volunteers, historians, and restoration experts is working to bring one of these legendary heavy bombers back from history—piece by piece. Using recovered wreckage, rare original parts, and components sourced from around the world, they are rebuilding a Halifax to honor the crews who flew them into combat over Europe.  But this is more than a Canadian story. During World War II, more than 8,800 Americans crossed the border to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force before the United States officially entered the War.  Many of them flew aboard Halifax bombers during some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict. Thousands never returned.  In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we go behind the scenes of one of the most important warbird restoration projects underway today. Discover the history of the Halifax, the international effort to preserve it, and the people dedicating countless hours to ensure these stories are never forgotten. This is not just the restoration of an aircraft—it is the restoration of memory.  Subscribe for more aviation history, warbird stories, and behind-the-scenes access from the Commemorative Air Force.  Aired on: May 22, 2026 Guest: Karl Kjarsgaard Host: Steve Buss Producer: Bob Score Produced by: Commemorative Air Force Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246849/fan_mail/new] Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/warbirdtube].  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org [https://commemorativeairforce.org/pages/LandHere]. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.